Growing up in the Midwest hits differently. If you’re lucky enough to be from there or know someone who is, you’ll know they are tough, resilient, hardworking, and some of the nicest people to be around. Here are 15 reasons why growing up in the Midwest is a badge of honor and how its extremes shaped you.
1. Harsh Winters Toughened You Up
Only someone raised in the Midwest knows how brutal the winters can be. With freezing temperatures and endless snow, surviving these months builds physical resilience and a mental toughness you never shake. All those years shoveling snow, braving icy commutes, and struggling with constant power outages made you a survivor, that’s for sure.
2. Summers Kept You Double to Earth
The Midwest is a land of extremes, and if enduring bitterly cold winters was the survival of the fittest, summers were equally brutal. Sweltering heat and humidity can be unbearable, but you don’t complain; you get on with it. It’s all part of the Midwestern charm and makes you nothing if not adaptable.
3. You Got Your Hands Dirty
Hard work and grit are part of the Midwestern culture and work ethic. You rolled your sleeves up and got your hands dirty whether you worked a farm or a factory job or headed to the office. You were raised to take immense pride in whatever you do, and you’ve carried this philosophy everywhere with you in life.
4. You Understand the Value of the Dollar
Growing up in the Midwest, luxury boutiques and gourmet markets were few and far between, not that you were all that focused on the fancy stuff anyway. You made the best of what was available, became resourceful, and understood the value of a well-spent dollar. Midwesterners are frugal, making them pros at couponing, budgeting, and finding DIY solutions; make the most of what you have.
5. You Care About Your Community
The Midwest may not have been flashy, but it was a tight-knit community of small towns where everyone looked out for each other. This instilled a sense of camaraderie and a love of collaboration and teamwork. You fondly remember block parties, carrying your neighbor’s groceries, and shooting the breeze with friends in the street, and you’re a better person for your small-town lifestyle and attitude. You value people, not things.
6. The Threat of Tornadoes Built Resilience
Being from the Midwest meant living with the threat of tornadoes and extreme and unpredictable weather patterns was just part of life. You prepared and stockpiled for natural disasters, and this fostered a sense of courage and resilience that has helped you deal with emergencies and unexpected twists in life. You’re definitely the go-go someone calls in a crisis.
7. Modesty Is a Way of Life
Bragging and showboating aren’t part of the Mid-Western culture or vocabulary. The whole concept of showing off is so foreign to you that it makes your head spin. Where you’re from, people appreciate the simple pleasures, not the material things in life, and you stay humble. Modesty is a trait to be proud of, and it’s what people admire and like about you most. It’s also made you quietly ambitious.
8. You’re Not Afraid Of The Outdoors
From camping to fishing and hiking, being in nature is like breathing for Midwesterners. Whether it’s a creepy crawly or a coyote, you’re not afraid of the outdoors and all its the critters. Hanging out in farms, lakes, and national parks is a way of life for Midwesterners. It instills a deep connection to and respect for nature and makes you grounded and appreciative of the world around you.
9. You Have Strong Family Ties
Midwestern values revolve around the family. Growing up, you had strong family ties, giving you a solid emotional foundation to springboard into life with. Family cookouts, watching football games, and holiday gatherings, these familial bonds instill a sense of belonging. You know that you have each other’s backs, making you fearful.
10. You Learned How to Fix Things
Education is important, but growing up in the Midwest teaches you the art of hands-on experience and practical knowledge. You’re tough because you know how to fix things, are familiar with farming, and can budget like nobody’s business. These essential life skills make you a more well-rounded person and someone to call when you need a drill.
11. You Appreciate Simple Pleasures
In the Midwest, life moves at a slower pace, so you have more time to appreciate the little things. You lived for and noticed watching a sunset, enjoying a homemade meal, and playing outside until it was dark and you were safe. This makes you a more mindful adult who is present, engaged, and appreciative of what really matters in life.
12. Sport Shaped Your Character
A love of sports is a massive part of the culture in the Midwest, and you grew up watching and playing sports. From high school football games to college basketball, sport was a constant companion and also a thing that brought everyone together. It taught you the importance of teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship, and even competitiveness. Because of this, you can face any challenges with grit and determination and can always break into conversation at a bar about your favorite team.
13. Constant Change Made You Adaptable
From shifting seasons to economic highs and lows and wild, crazy weather occurrences, if growing up in the Midwest teaches you anything, it’s that you need to be able to roll with the punches. Strength isn’t just physical. It’s a mental ability and mindset that means you can adjust to challenges. And if anyone is flexible, resilient, and ready for whatever curveballs life throws, it’s a Mid-Westerener.